![slice of Banana Cream Pie I recipe on a plate](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.allrecipes.com/thmb/FB3__ji_0XDtH61_1mS6N4SafX8=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/banana-cream-pie-i-d724e1b7c76e47a7a50397f6cc47e8ef.jpeg)
When it comes to baking and sweets, the banana might just be the unsung hero of the category. It can go subtle for breakfast as a smoothie, or be a supporting flavor to chocolate or caramel in a cookie. A banana can also take center stage in pudding and pie. You can use it raw or cooked, whole, sliced or smashed, served hot or cold. So if you are looking at a lovely bunch of ripe bananas on your countertop and wondering how to help them be the best versions of themselves, we have got some recipes for you. Check out some of our favorite ripe banana recipes, none of which are banana bread.
Southern-Style Baked Banana Pudding
![Southern-Style Baked Banana Pudding](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/L2D8EmMAqJ8pU6vqzyEtIK1BDtM=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/6623667-2000-aafa673bfe0f495dac3422d255880364.jpg)
The South is known for its banana pudding, but they are often divided by styles. Some like it warm and baked with a fluffy meringue topping. Others prefer a cooler, thicker pudding base. We say, the more the merrier! Try this baked version of the classic with meringue topping that'll leave you wanting sweet tea and cooling yourself with a fan.
Banana Muffins with a Crunch
![Banana Muffins with a Crunch](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/f46M-miwILuCI2lPz_fgcdzxOh8=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/banana-muffins-with-a-crunch-bba39e7852a44cf093d485111f4619a8.jpeg)
Banana muffins are super versatile. Have them for breakfast, as a mid-morning snack with coffee or tea, or an afternoon pick-me-up.
Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
![Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/E9XfFh3epi4c16bYBB1U-c598ok=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/1011848-58ae3c4aa578400ead074415db058a26.jpg)
Bananas are a natural at breakfast, a healthy way to start the day. Try fueling up with this banana smoothie. Bananas bring sweetness, thickness, and vitamins; peanut butter brings the filling protein.
- 6 Do's & Don'ts of Making Smoothies
3-Ingredient Banana Pancakes
![pancakes on a white plate with kiwi and sausage](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/SSZ_6sC6I1LM8q21X9PLa-ABQK0=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/3-ingredient-pancakes-9f6efe51cdcc4c9188aea1b197894196.jpeg)
Banana pancakes are always a good idea, and this three-ingredient version is a quick and easy way to get a family favorite on the table with little muss and fuss.
Banana Split
![Uncle Sam Banana Split](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/FzozNz95u56hUcW6ZKFbLRKV_lE=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/uncle-sam-banana-split-46609bf2fa674ff4aaea74c076cef75e.jpg)
This banana split recipe serves a crowd, which means everyone can (and should) weigh in on what toppings to use. Not planning to feed five or more with banana dessert? Scale it down to a single-serve scale.
Chef John's Bananas Foster
![Chef John's Bananas Foster](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/eIrGzh6B4n5fxgRs4KN-qR0Ke9Y=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Chef-Johns-Bananas-Foster-by-Chef-John-2000-8877756e861f40c6863656080b8d4fd5.jpg)
If you were going to master only one banana dessert recipe, you'd be hard-pressed to go wrong with the most famous one of all. Bananas Foster never goes out of style. Indeed, it is a timeless classic for all the right reasons.
Banana Pound Cake With Caramel Glaze
![Banana Pound Cake With Caramel Glaze](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/gJjzcqY_DPYVszuuDOKQdjEd0K8=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/banana-pound-cake-with-caramel-glaze-b7c322577e5b4e59956964ad71ef6c80.jpeg)
Banana breads are good, but banana cake is a whole other level of greatness. This banana pound cake with caramel glaze will be a new family favorite, and friends and family will surely ask for it at potlucks and parties.
Chunky Monkey Cupcakes
![Chunky Monkey Cupcakes](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/v8Jb8QksmTOSc0M3RELzYQu578M=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/chunky-monkey-cupcakes-ae1f4a6ad5c3433eaaf80aba7dac8331.png)
Banana cake is even better when it is in portable cupcake form. These chunky monkey cupcakes take one of the best ice cream flavors and turns them into baked goods magic.
Banana Cream Pie
![slice of Banana Cream Pie I recipe on a plate](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/FB3__ji_0XDtH61_1mS6N4SafX8=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/banana-cream-pie-i-d724e1b7c76e47a7a50397f6cc47e8ef.jpeg)
Bananas in pie are as timeless and comforting as bananas in bread, and this banana cream pie is as traditional and delicious as they come. "I give this recipe 5 stars for two reasons. One, this is by far the very best tasting pudding I have ever had! Two, it's easy to make - no difficult cooking techniques required," one reviewer wrote.
Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
![Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Raisin](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/Vm_wVI7El-epuY2dYLoyBupXFfY=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/peanut-butter-banana-oatmeal-raisin-edda814e1495469297eaf36529eab312.jpeg)
A lot of folks forget that you can use bananas in cookies as well. These banana cookies have both peanut butter and oatmeal, for a mash-up cookie that will make everyone happy.
Banana Oat Bars
![Banana Oat Bars](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/xIL4XTBC9r78HXJtBWxzNZ1QvCU=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/banana-oat-bars-fb04db2e62dd4669a5eeae786b5ed0f7.jpeg)
Banana-oat bars are a great place to showcase the fruit. You can totally get away with eating these banana oat bars for breakfast — we won't tell. Or serve them with ice cream for a wonderful meal ender.
Bananas in Caramel Sauce
![Bananas in Caramel Sauce](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/jB1j9XOH8E509VU9DEF30k8CfIY=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/bananas-in-caramel-sauce-7f1b01db7ba94ffc848651923d2ec55d.jpeg)
Making ice cream sundaes was never as indulgent as when you add these bananas in caramel sauce. This mixture would also be a great topper for rice pudding or cheesecake.
Brazilian Whole Banana Pie
![Brazilian Whole Banana Pie](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/govrqqAGGP88_NWy8U4ASqVaX5w=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/brazilian-whole-banana-pie-f55c9caff91248d9a60273fcca3edb57.jpeg)
This Brazilian take on a banana pie uses the whole banana with wonderful results. A new twist on an old favorite, this banana pie is one to make when you have lots and lots of ripe bananas lying around. (The recipe requires 10.)
The Best Banana Pudding
![a glass trifle bowl showing layers of banana pudding and Nilla wafers](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/DIeBEypOju7w86nfRPiOkp1zsRo=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/771986-daafa15bee484e5896705c6bb9ed3a6b.jpg)
If you prefer your Southern banana pudding in the unbaked variety, this recipe will be just what you have been craving. Cool and light, this version is made with vanilla pudding mix and frozen whipped topping so it doesn't need to be baked.
Whipped Banana "Ice Cream"
![Whipped Banana Ice Cream](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/UnS6Mho6EAgU3eqAHsEU1v_bAQo=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Whipped-Banana-Ice-Cream-photo-by-Rock_lobster-2000-df3a00bf3b58429b80ed0a8b3dabd0bf.jpg)
Are your bananas nearing the overripe stage? Go ahead and pop them into your freezer. You can save them for later — they're extra good in banana bread when thawed because they're soft and ultra sweet. But if you don't want banana bread, you can whip those frozen bananas into a light and fluffy ice cream. "It's a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth while also staying healthy," writes recipe contributor morganc.